Creation of the Endowment - An Unprecedented Initiative

In late 2004, a group of Windham citizens began to explore the possibility of providing private donations to enhance our community. A volunteer Board of Directors, including a Library Trustee and School Board member, was formed to investigate a community foundation in Windham. In January 2005, the Windham Endowment for Community Advancement was registered with the State of New Hampshire and in August 2006, the IRS approved our tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)(3) organization.

During the same period, an interested resident generously provided funding to hire a consulting firm to determine the level of interest in and availability of funds for the creation of a private foundation. The resulting study consisted of 116 completed surveys (an impressive 23% return rate) and 30 personal interviews. The survey results resoundingly endorsed the establishment of a foundation and showed a compelling case for support.

The Windham Endowment worked to establish relationships with Community Partners so that the Endowment could be a resource for the many non-profit groups already doing good works in town. Dedicated funds already exist for the Nesmith Library, WIRE (Windham Initiative for Alternative Advancement), the Windham Community Band, and Boy Scout Troop 266.

The Board of Directors also launched the first Capital Campaign to support enhancements to the new Windham High School. Both a Recruiting Committee and Steering Committee aided the Board’s efforts for the Endowment's first capital campaign. The Windham High School Capital Campaign will continue into next year with the conclusion set for the spring of 2010. (Click here for more information about the Capital Campaign.)

Other community groups such as the Windham Woman’s Club and the Windham Garden Club have been active supporters of the Endowment’s work.